Meloxicam

Meloxicam, an NSAID, is used for pain and swelling connected with arthritis. All NSAIDs have the potential to cause serious stomach problems.

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Pharmacist Teresa Brucker, PharmD overviews the uses and common side effects of Meloxicam

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NSAIDs

Meloxicam

Pharmacist Teresa Brucker, PharmD overviews the uses and common side effects of Meloxicam

NSAIDs

Pharmacist Nazley Mohammadi, PharmD summarizes the uses, common side effects, and warnings for the NSAID class of medications

Meloxicam Overview

Reviewed: May 16, 2013

Updated: March 22, 2018

Meloxicam is a prescription medication used to relieve the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam belongs to a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by stopping substances in your body that cause inflammation and pain.

This medication comes in tablet, capsule and oral suspension forms and is taken once a day, with or without food.

Common side effects of meloxicam include diarrhea, upset stomach, and upper respiratory infections.

Meloxicam can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how meloxicam will affect you.

Meloxicam Precautions

Cardiovascular thrombotic events. Meloxicam can increase your risk of cardiovascular and heart diseases such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, which can lead to death. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.

Gastrointestinal effects. Meloxicam can cause digestive tract problems such as ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, and perforations (small holes). Tell your doctor if you have a history of digestive problems, or if you smoke or frequently drink alcohol. Alert your doctor if you take anticoagulants (blood-thinners) or corticosteroids such as prednisone.

Hepatic events. Meloxicam c­­an cause damage to the liver and increase liver tests. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease.

Hypertension. Meloxicam may raise your blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure or take ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril and enalapril) or diuretics (water pills).

Renal effects. Kidney damage can result from the use of meloxicam. Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease or take ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril and enalapril) or diuretics (water pills).

Hypersensitivity reaction. An allergic reaction to meloxicam can occur. Symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction include:

hives

rash

difficulty breathing or swallowing

itching

swelling

Adverse skin reactions. Meloxicam can lead to dangerous skin reactions. Symptoms of a skin reaction include:

rash

red, itchy, or scaly skin

blisters

fever

Pregnancy. Meloxicam is not recommended to be taken past the 30th week of pregnancy.

Meloxicam can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how meloxicam affects you.

Do not take meloxicam if you:

are allergic to meloxicam

have a history of asthma, hives, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs

will have or have recently had coronary (heart) surgery

Meloxicam Food Interactions

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of meloxicam, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving meloxicam.

Meloxicam and Pregnancy

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Meloxicam falls into category C before the 30th week of pregnancy and category D after the 30th week.

Pregnancy Category C before the 30th week of pregnancy: Studies in animals have shown a harmful and undesired effect on the unborn baby, yet there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This medication may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to her unborn baby.

Pregnancy Category D after the 30th week of pregnancy: Meloxicam should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy. There is evidence of risk to the unborn baby based on studies in humans or adverse reaction data.

Meloxicam Usage

This medication comes in tablet, capsule and oral suspensions forms and is taken once a day, with or without food.

This medication may be taken with food to help prevent upset stomach.

Make sure to shake well before use when taking the oral suspension of meloxicam.

Capsules are not interchangeable with other formulations of oral meloxicam even if the total milligram strength is the same. Do not substitute similar dose strengths of other meloxicam products.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of meloxicam at the same time.

Other Requirements

Meloxicam FDA Warning

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.

Meloxicam is contraindicated for the treatment of peri-operative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risk:

NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.

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